MUTEC REF10 NANO Master Clock

Introduction

Although this review may appear niche, it is important to understand that digital streaming can be elevated to a remarkably high standard, delivering the smooth, long-listening musicality we all crave — qualities that are essentially vinyl’s starting point.

Since receiving the Editor’s Pick Eversolo T10, I’ve been impressed by its musicality and ease of use. However, unlike the T8, the T10 offers something more: the option to add an external reference clock, ensuring the 1s and 0s are timed with greater precision; and YES, this is a thing; they are NOT just 1s and 0s.

Design

The REF10 NANO is Master Cock only; it sends ultra-pure timing signals out to synchronise other compatible digital equipment.  It does not process, route, or output digital audio signals (like S/PDIF or USB). Its sole purpose is to generate a pristine, ultra-stable 10 MHz sine/square wave reference signal using an ultra-low-noise oscillator (OCXO). Thus, it creates an exceptionally low-noise and stable reference clock for the digital signal chain where it is connected.

By timing your digital input to the DAC, you offer more precise data to the DAC, even if it (in my case, with USB) re-times the signal on receipt.  Ideally, you would time-reference your DAC to the same device.

There are other devices that additionally re-clock digital audio streams.  These devices, like the sister MUTEC MC3+USB, receive and pass actual digital audio streams. It effectively retimes the incoming data using MUTEC’s 1G-Clock re-clocking technology to eliminate jitter before feeding it to your DAC.

The MUTEC REF10 NANO has a standard mains-based integrated power supply, but it has the option of a DC input for fine-tuning through an external power supply unit.  I, for example, have the Plixir Statement BDC linear power supply and in principle I could use it to power the MUTEC REF10 NANO, though I’d need it to be configured for precisely 15V output.

The MUTEC REF10 NANO has four BNC connections at the rear.  It sends purely 10 MHz reference clock signals (two at 50 Ω and two at 75 Ω). It is worth adding that using the correct BNC cable is essential; of course, MUTEC will retail a PSC 75Ω BNC to BNC cable for such purposes to avoid any conflicts.

Control and output selection is via a clicking knob on the front to select the output(s).

Quality

The REF10 is deep but narrow; mine is black powder-coated, but there is silver too.  It has a confident vibe, from packaging to operation.

Specification Further Details and Price

Performance

Review Equipment

I’m using my Reference System that now has the Eversolo T10 as the streaming transport of choice in place of the A6. I’m ‘listening’ to the REF10 through the T10.

I’ve also tried the external clock with both the T10 and the iFi iDSD Phantom.

Physically

Setup was very simple. BNC to the T10, connected at 75 Ω and a quick change of clock in the Eversolo App, and I was good.  Make a cup of tea, give it ten minutes, and off we go.

ManaDAC Private Investigations

The T10’s ease of use has encouraged me to spend far more time with my Melco N100 library — so much so that I’m already considering an upgrade. For now, a little Dire Straits feels appropriate: Telegraph Road, streamed from the optically isolated library. It is a winding, rhythmic, story-led track that builds beautifully before the dynamic Private Investigations reaches the manaDAC’s two hybrid Burr-Brown PCM1794 chips.

Swapping to and from the REF10 is easy, and results are very encouraging indeed. Telegraph Road skips along wonderfully, apparently benefitting from greater timing and precision without losing the musicality in the presentation.  The blacks in Private Investigations add thrilling contrast to the dynamics of the track.

However, I have discovered that when switching to decent live recordings, the level of detail offered by the trinity of the manaDAC, the REF10, and the T10 is at a previously unheard level. It is without a doubt the reduced noise floor that creates contrast between the music, the previously undiscovered dynamics of the auditorium, and the edges of the guitars and vocals. This is an in-the-room experience.  Ryan Adams’ heartfelt Sympathy for the Devil ((Qobuz 24-bit, 44.1kHz) recorded live in Edmonton, AL in 2023) is the best example of this.

And, since I’m re-reading Morrissey’s autobiography, Adams’ version of There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (Qobuz 24-bit, 44.1kHz) matches this experience.  I heard this version in Oxford last year.

Another Live recording demanding attention at this point was The War on Drugs’ Accidentally Like a Martyr (Qobuz 24-bit, 96kHz).

Finally, the greatest live recording ever made had a full run-through.  I won’t insult you, The Reader, by reminding you what I’m referring to (if you disagree, comment below!).  I think it is sufficient to say that by the time I got to Burning Down the House (Qobuz 24-bit, 44.1kHz), the carpet was looking bare under my tapping toes!

iFi Audio iDSD Phantom Private Investigations

Adding the Phantom in place of my manaDAC offered the opportunity to pair the MUTEC external clock with both the transport and the DAC.  For this I needed a further 75Ω BNC cable. My rudimentary BNC cable was clearly not up to the job.  I’m advised that ill-matched BNC cables, with poor connectors, can increase signal reflections; the idea is we’re minimising these with the external clock.

The Phantom is a fine performer (as a DAC), and it is supplied with the iFi Audio iPower Elite DC Power Supply. Using the solid-state output setting for clarity, my grounded Atlas USB-B input from the T10 was impressive.

Turning to Fleet Foxes, their wonderful Helplessness Blues (Qobuz 24-bit, 96kHz) is complex, layered and spacious. The Solstice version recorded by Robin Pecknold alone at St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn in 2021 is very atmospheric; the background silences and reverberations are more striking with the clock. You could be there if you close your eyes.

Returning to my bit-perfect network library rip of Private Investigations, it retains its energy and smoothness with the Phantom; the clock provides the confidence in the soundstage

Playlists

Playlists used in the evaluation of the MUTEC REF10 NANO Master Clock.

Thoughts

This MUTEC REF10 NANO Master Clock has been a bit of a revelation; it’s a bit like giving your HiFi a can of Red Bull before asking it to play music. After you’ve just acoustically treated the room.  I have a more vivid, fluid soundstage with a cleaner attack and an even more natural sound. I just wish my DAC had an external clock option.

What Three Words

Fluid – Vivid – Natural

Overall

I don’t quite know how it does this, but this is a great outcome. It is one of those where I’ll have to ask for a price to retain the unit and upgrade the system; this rarely happens unless it is a Moor Amplifier.

Love 

• Super low noise
• Vivid presentation

Like 

• It actually works
• Ease of setup
• With the Eversolo T10

Wish

• my DAC had an external clock option